Liverpool, Spurs and Villa get ready for battle as £10 million England midfielder becomes available

So, who will Stewart Downing be playing for next season? Well one things for certain, he won't be playing for Middlesbrough. Following the side's relegation to the Championship last month, several key players have been linked with summer exits from the Riverside, including Downing.

Speaking earlier today, Boro chief executive Keith Lamb had this to say about the possibility of Downing leaving the club : "We said to Stewart that we would give him the opportunity to leave the football club if the right club came along for him and for the football club."

So, who wants to sign Downing?

Well, Liverpool and Tottenham have both been linked with the 24-year old in recent weeks, however I personally feel a move to Aston Villa looks the best option for all parties. Following the departure of Gareth Barry from Villa Park on Tuesday, Martin O'Neill is now short a left-sided midfield player so a move for Downing would go some way to replacing their former captain.

If I'm being totally honest, I don't really rate Downing. I would be surprised if Boro managed to get anywhere near the £10 million being talked about for Downing but with at least three clubs interested in him, who knows how much they may end up getting. It will be interesting to see who he does eventually end up at but I feel whoever does sign him will be making a huge mistake.

What do you think? Comments below please.